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Implementation of Intimate Partner Violence Education to Improve Practice and Attitude Amongst Healthcare Providers
Abstract
Background
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious and costly public health issue. It is vital that patients are screened at least annually for intimate partner violence. Screening increases disclosure of abuse and allows primary care clinicians to provide comfort, education, and resources to patients experiencing IPV. Evidence strongly suggests that a major barrier to regular screening for IPV is a lack of knowledge and comfort amongst healthcare providers.
Purpose
This project’s purpose was to provide educational tools for healthcare providers related to the importance of screening for IPV, guidelines for most effective screening, common IPV misconceptions, and local resources.
Methods
This project involved the development of two IPV educational videos. One video was aimed at support staff such as registered nurses and clinical assistants. The other video was designed to educate providers. These videos described IPV, how to screen for IPV, and how to start conversations about IPV. The goal was to improve healthcare workers' knowledge and confidence in addressing IPV. Participants’ knowledge and confidence were measured utilizing a validated Domestic Violence Health Care Provider Survey before and after viewing the educational video (Maiuro et al., 2000).
Results
The post-intervention survey showed improvements in IPV screening rates and perceived access to local IPV resources for patients, though these were not statistically significant. There was also some progress towards decreasing IPV stigma and negative healthcare provider beliefs about victims of IPV.
Conclusions
The project supports the hypothesis that an educational video for providers and support staff on IPV improves provider knowledge of resources, belief in IPV myths, and engagement in screening.
Key Words Intimate partner violence, education, screening, primary care